Taco y Vino Bishop Arts Dallas: An Unforgettable Culinary & Wine Journey

This extended review of Taco y Vino is part of a new “Dinner and a Show” column, a collaboration with Metropolitan Arts Media, Inc., the esteemed nonprofit behind TheaterJones.com (dedicated to performing arts journalism) and the soon-to-launch ContextDFW.com (focusing on visual art) in the vibrant Dallas/Fort Worth cultural landscape. This partnership aims to highlight the symbiotic relationship between Dallas’s thriving arts scene and its dynamic culinary offerings.

A Culinary Gem in Dallas’s Bishop Arts District

Nestled within the charming and historic Bishop Arts District of Dallas, Texas, Taco y Vino offers a refreshingly unique dining experience. This relative newcomer to the district’s impressive lineup of eateries has quickly carved out a niche, masterfully pairing upscale street tacos with a thoughtfully curated wine selection. Housed in a beautifully preserved craftsman home, the restaurant exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for both a quick, delicious meal and a leisurely, memorable evening out. If you find yourself with time to spare, Taco y Vino is certainly a place where you’ll want to linger, savoring every moment and every bite.

Taco y Vino’s location adds significantly to its allure. Tucked away from the bustling main thoroughfare of Davis Street, this establishment has artfully transformed a 1940s Oak Cliff residence into a quaint, casual restaurant and wine bar. The transformation respectfully preserves the home’s original character, with beautiful wood floors that tell tales of decades past. Adding to the distinctive ambiance is an entire wall captivatingly covered in a wavy, artistic display of wine bottles – a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to its namesake beverage. Near the bar, a vintage record player spins, with the barkeep often doubling as a vinyl DJ, curating a relaxed soundtrack that perfectly complements the overall vibe. This blend of history, artistry, and culinary passion creates an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and remarkably comfortable.

The Heart of the Experience: Tacos & Wine

While the ambiance is certainly captivating, the true stars of Taco y Vino are, of course, the food and the wine. There’s no need to debate which takes precedence here, as both elements not only meet but exceed expectations, offering a delightful array of choices to satisfy every palate. For those who aren’t devoted wine connoisseurs, the restaurant also boasts an excellent selection of local craft beers on tap, alongside a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. A thoughtful touch, each table is consistently supplied with fresh water, ensuring a pleasant and hydrated dining experience.

A Deep Dive into Taco y Vino’s Signature Tacos

The taco menu at Taco y Vino, while initially appearing straightforward with eight distinct options for the main course, is anything but simple in its execution and flavor. Each taco is a miniature masterpiece, bursting with carefully balanced ingredients and textures. Diners have the flexibility to mix and match any three tacos for a reasonable $9.50, an excellent way to sample a variety of their delectable offerings. Furthermore, for those who prefer enchiladas, any taco option can be transformed into a savory enchilada for $6.25 each. Always be sure to check the daily specials board or inquire with your server for any exciting new creations.

Let’s delve into some of the standout taco selections. Pictured above (from left to right) are the Blackened Baja taco, the Vegan Chorizo taco (a special replacing the regular Jackfruit taco during my visit), and my undisputed favorite, the Fried Avocado taco.

The Irresistible Fried Avocado Taco

The Fried Avocado taco is a true revelation for both vegetarians and avocado lovers alike. It features perfectly ripe avocado slices, delicately seasoned and then lightly coated in panko crumbs before being fried to a golden crisp. This preparation method is key, as it delivers a delightful crunch on the exterior while preserving the avocado’s creamy, un-mushy texture within – a common fear when frying avocado. This exquisite base is then generously topped with fresh tomatoes, vibrant cilantro, a zesty roja aioli, and the bright tang of pickled onions. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the warm crunch to the cool creaminess, complemented by herbaceous and acidic notes.

Bold Flavors of the Blackened Baja Taco

My second favorite, the Blackened Baja taco, is a celebration of seafood done right. It features tender catfish, expertly seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices and then blackened to perfection, creating a smoky, slightly spicy crust that seals in the fish’s natural moisture. This flavorful catfish is then paired with a smoky chipotle aioli, juicy tomatoes, and crisp pickled onions. The robust flavor of the blackened fish finds a perfect counterpoint in the creamy, piquant aioli and the refreshing crunch and tang of the fresh toppings, resulting in a taco that is both hearty and elegantly balanced.

Exploring Vegetarian Delights: Vegan Chorizo & Jackfruit Tacos

Taco y Vino is remarkably accommodating to various dietary needs, with two of the eight regular taco options being vegetarian. During my visit, a flavorful Vegan Chorizo taco was featured as a special, offering a spicy, savory plant-based alternative. This option typically utilizes a blend of spices and plant-based protein to mimic the rich, crumbly texture and bold flavors of traditional chorizo. Regularly, the menu features a Jackfruit taco, where young jackfruit is slow-cooked and shredded to achieve a pulled-pork-like texture, soaking up savory marinades. All tacos are crafted with fresh corn tortillas, making them a fantastic choice for friends and family with gluten sensitivities. Furthermore, if, like me, dairy is a concern, it’s incredibly simple to request any taco without crema and/or queso, and the staff is genuinely friendly and accommodating in ensuring your meal meets your needs.

Pictured above, you can see a personalized selection tailored to my dairy allergy: the Fried Avocado taco (yes, still my favorite!), the Cochinita Pibil, and the Blackened Baja – all lovingly prepared without any cheese or crema. The staff even thoughtfully brought the aioli on the side, just in case. While these dairy-free versions might not possess the exact visual appeal of their standard counterparts, I assure you, they were still bursting with an abundance of incredible flavor!

The Robust Cochinita Pibil Taco

The Cochinita Pibil taco offers a taste of traditional Yucatán cuisine. It features a generous portion of incredibly tender pulled pork, slow-braised to perfection in a flavorful pineapple marinade. This tropical infusion lends a subtle sweetness and tang that beautifully complements the rich pork. The taco is then topped with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, creamy queso fresco (omitted for dairy-free requests), and the signature bright acidity of pickled onions, creating a multi-layered flavor profile that is both complex and comforting.

Beyond Tacos: Appetizers & Other Delights

When it came to appetizers, my initial inclination was to try the ceviche, but alas, they were unfortunately out during my visit. My momentary disappointment, however, was swiftly replaced by delight when I opted for the tortilla soup instead. And what a magnificent choice it turned out to be! This generous bowl of hot, comforting soup is built upon a rich and flavorful chicken tinga broth (the same delicious chicken tinga found in one of their taco options). It’s packed with ample tender chicken, a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice, all crowned with slices of creamy avocado and a delicate sprinkling of crispy tortilla chips. Not only was it utterly delicious, but its perfectly salty and savory broth also provided much-needed soothing relief for a sore throat I was nursing at the time. This soup is so substantial and satisfying that it could easily serve as a full meal on its own. I wisely took half of it to go, ensuring I had plenty of room to fully indulge in what I truly came for – the tacos! A smaller, cup-sized portion of this fantastic soup, in my opinion, would be a brilliant addition to the appetizer menu, allowing diners to enjoy it without committing to an entire meal.

The Wine Program: Thoughtfully Curated Pairings

While Taco y Vino’s wine list isn’t overwhelmingly extensive, it is exceptionally well-crafted, focusing on quality and thoughtful pairings rather than sheer volume. The selection features a great variety available both by the glass and by the bottle, ensuring there’s something to complement every taco choice and personal preference. During my visit, I ordered a glass of their house Tempranillo ($8), and I absolutely loved it. This Spanish red grape varietal, known for its savory notes of cherry, plum, and often a hint of leather or tobacco, proved to be an excellent companion to the rich, spicy, and nuanced flavors of the tacos, demonstrating the restaurant’s keen understanding of food and wine synergy. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to offer recommendations, guiding guests toward the perfect sip to enhance their meal.

Service and Small Details

I had the pleasure of visiting Taco y Vino twice – once for a Friday lunch and again for a Saturday lunch – and observed subtle differences in the service experience. During my first visit, my server was a true multi-tasker, expertly handling duties as barkeep, waiter, and even the vinyl DJ, which was impressive to witness. While friendly and attentive enough given the solo act, a couple of details were missed: I wasn’t informed about any daily specials, nor was I offered the selection of three hot sauces that I later discovered during my second visit. On my subsequent visit, the service felt a bit more seamless, likely due to the server having additional help on the floor. Both experiences were pleasant, but the takeaway is clear: if you visit and aren’t proactively offered information about specials or the hot sauces, don’t hesitate to ask – it can certainly enhance your dining adventure.

A gentle word of caution to my fellow coffee aficionados: the menu tantalizingly lists French press coffee, but I regret to inform you, dear java enthusiasts, that they do not actually carry it. This omission is a minor disappointment, especially for those who appreciate a good coffee to round off a meal. I sincerely hope they either decide to offer this delightful brew in the future or, perhaps, remove it from the menu to avoid teasing us coffee lovers like that!

Conclusion: A Must-Visit in Bishop Arts

In essence, Taco y Vino is a brilliant addition to the thriving culinary scene of the Bishop Arts District. Whether your primary motivation is to savor their inventive and delicious tacos, or to explore their carefully chosen selection of wines, you simply cannot go wrong here. This establishment perfectly embodies the spirit of the district – combining local charm with a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. Go for the exquisite tacos and find yourself staying for the delightful wine, or vice versa. Either way, Taco y Vino promises a memorable meal in a truly special setting. It’s a place where every visit feels like a treat, a genuine culinary gem waiting to be discovered and revisited.

Location & Contact:

Address:
213 W Eighth St, Dallas, TX 75208

Website:
www.tacoyvinodallas.com